Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-10-01
The Perp etrator of the Deed at
Oak Grove Seminary Caught.
He Confesses the Crime and Says
he did it for Revenge.
A Sharp Piece of Detective Work
by Mr.. True of Portland.
Especial to the Kennebec Journal.

fAssALbOhO, oCt. l.
Ever since the fire at Oak Grove Seminary
on the night of Aug. 3lst, True & Co, de-
tectives of Portland, have had the matter in
charge and have earnestly endeavored to find
who the perpetrator of the deed was. Their
untirng efforts were rewarded Friday,
when one of their number proceeded to
Brockton, Mass, and laid his hand on one,
George A. Harrington. Suspicious have
rested on him for some time, and when he
started for Massachusetts, they felt sure they
were on the right track.
AS this mornings Pullman rolled into the
station, Journal correspondent happened
about, and was informed that Detective True
was aboard with the alleged incendiary. Ac-
cordingly, therefore, your correspondent
boarded the train and procee ded to one end
of the car, and there, stretched upon the seat
was a young, intelligent looking boy, with a
sad face and hat covering his eyes. He at
first declined to have much to say, but on
being informed by his attendant that he
might converse on the subject, related the
following:
Ny came is George A. Harrington, and
was fifteen years old the 4th day OF August
last; the only near relatives | have are my
mother and three sisters, my father having
died a wear sgo; have attended Oak Grove
Seminary for one year only and will say that
| like the teachers but dislike their methods
of instruction; at the first term | atteaded
got along very well, but in the latter part of
my course | was set back in my studies, and
from that time until set the fire | was de.
termined to have revenge; so, on the night of
August 3lst | arose from my bed and with
bundle of rags started for the basement;
was simply attired in my night clothes and
had 20 do the job quickly; the rags | placed
in a good position and at once lighted them !;
the Job was success as the reports have be-
fore shown; also fred the gymnasium in a
similar manner and accomplished my desires
that time.
Being still further questioned, he said 1t
was his own idea in setting the fires and that
no other person was connected in the matter
at all he was simply determined to have re-
venge on the school for being set back in his
studies. He seemed to be in deep study
and was very sorrowful
Surely the people of Vassalboro have good
cause to rejoice in the capture of this young
man. whose life has so recklessly begun, and
whose future prospects are most gloomy.
The community at large are loud in their
praises of the efficient work of Detective
True and his associates.
BY Associated Press,
BRocKToN, Mass, Sept. 80.
Detective Hutchngs of Maine and Officer
Tower of this city arrested today George A.
Harrington, aged Is, on the charge that he
set fire to Oak Grove Seminary at Vsssalboro,
Me-, on the night of Aug. 3lst, when boy
named Jones, whose exit was cut off, perish
ed in the flames. Harrington, whose parents
are dead but who is looked after BY guar
dian who resided at Stockton, Me-, was a
pupil. He left the place soon after the fire
and returned in few days, believing he was
no longer suspected. On the night of Sept.
18th, the gymnasium building connected with
the Seminary, also burned. Suspicion was
again turned on Harrington. Last Friday
he suddenly left town. Ira True Co.'S de-
tectives located the boy here, where he ar
rived Tuesday, living with his sister, pupil
at the Sprague school. The boy took the
arrest very calmly. He was taken to Maine
tonight 1t is thought that Harrington wa;
put up to the work by older heads.